OSHA is issuing two standards to protect workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica- one for construction , and the other for general industry and maritime- in order to allow employers to tailor solutions to specific conditions in thier workplaces. About two million construction workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in over 600,000 workplaces. OSHA estimates that more than 840,000 of these workers are exposed to silica levels that exceed the new permissable exposure limit ( PEL).
Silica dust is hazardous when very small (respirable) particles are inhaled. These respirable dust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause disabling and sometimes fatal lung diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer, as well as kidney disease. Exposure can occur during common construction tasks such as using masonry saws, grinders, drills, jackhammers and handheld chipping tools.
Local 15 is meeting the new OSHA standards by offering Silica Awareness Training.
To register please contact Tammy Stuhlman @ 816-595-4135 or email directly to tstuhlman@buidlersassoc.com